Rockies’ offseason choices expanding for closer, catcher and first baseman

Denver Post | Nov 28

The hot stove is on simmer, something that is beginning to drive hard-core baseball fans a little bonkers.

ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick wrote a terrific piece last week, explaining why the offseason has been so slow. He noted that the pending trade of slugger Giancarlo Stanton, the luxury tax and an abundance of relievers as primary reasons for the snail’s pace. We also can’t forget that super agent Scott Boras is whispering in a free agents’ ear, making for even more intrigue.

Once Stanton is shipped, or a free agent like outfielder J.D. Martinez or right-hander Jake Arietta signs a contract, the hot stove will start boiling. Also, keep in mind that the winter meetings begin in two weeks, and I expect it to be extremely active.

For Rockies fans, this offseason has been about as juicy as an overcooked steak. That’s not because the club doesn’t have a lot to do, but because general manager Jeff Bridich is notoriously tight-lipped. While fans, pundits and beat writers would like a few more crumbs, Bridich likes things kept quiet.

But that doesn’t mean I can’t speculate and make some educated guesses as to what the Rockies will do.

Let’s start off by reviewing what we know. With closer Greg Holland and set-up men Pat Neshek and Jake McGee becoming free agents, the Rockies need to rebuild their bullpen. Yes, the Rockies have talked to Holland about coming back, but it’s far from a certainty that he will do so.

Holland is represented by Boras, and if Holland wants a contract similar to the one the Giants gave Marc Melancon last winter (four years, $62 million), I think the Rockies are definitely out. Indeed, I don’t think any team is going to give Holland a four-year deal, but even a three-year, $45 million is going to scare away most teams, given how poorly Holland pitched in the second half of the season.